Ponta do Sol, Madeira
Encyclopedia : P : PO : PON : Ponta do Sol, Madeira
There is also Ponta da Sol in Cape Verde, see Ponta da Sol, Cape Verde
| Coat of arms | Flag |
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| Region: | Madeira Islands |
| District: | Madeira Island |
| Population: | 8,125 2001 |
| Area: | 185.50 km² |
| Density | 43.8/km² |
| Altitude: | Lowest and Centre: Atlantic Ocean Highest: - |
| Number of parishes: | 3 |
Ponta do Sol (pron. IPA ['põtɐ du sɔɫ] Portuguese meaning the point of the sun) is a municipality in the west-central part of Madeira. Its population is 8,125 (according to the last census, in 2001). The municipality is one of the smallest on the island. Its area is 185.50 km². It is located SW of Santana, W of Machico, W of Funchal and ESE of Calheta. It is linked with a road linking Calheta and Funchal.
Historically, the main sources of industry were agriculture, fishing and trade. The harbour of Ponta do Sol, though somewhat small, was formerly a crucial commercial gate to that side of the island, fostering the implementation of businesses in the downtown area, outflow of goods from the countryside, and inflow of fishing and imported goods.
Nowadays, commercial activity is scattered throughout the municipality, with a strong decline downtown and a booming expansion elsewhere, particularly Canhas - a once essentially agricultural parish now converted into an important economic centre, while retaining its rural feel.
Agriculture is still a prime industry, while fishing has significantly declined. Civil construction and related industries have conquered a prominent position in the municipality, alongside the rest of the island.
More recently the service industry, particularly tourism, has conquered its place, with high-quality hotels in the countryside and downtown.
A few major scenic trekking routes of the island ("levada walks") pass through the countryside of Ponta do Sol, where the quality of the climate and of the tourist offer are particularly remarkable.
Ponta do Sol has a few schools, a lyceum / high school (till 12th grade), a central law court (serving Ponta do Sol, Ribeira Brava and Calheta), police stations, a gymnasium, several banks, churches, chapels post offices, a small shopping centre, a small port, a harbour with marina, beaches, coastal "promenades" and squares or plazas (praças). A few restaurants, supermarkets and minimarkets can also be found, though essentially in the countryside.
As far as the accommodation offer is concerned, there are three hotels:
- Quinta do Alto de São João - 4.5 star country house hotel (manor hotel)
- Hotel Baía do Sol - 4 star city hotel
- Estalagem da Ponta do Sol - 4 star city hotel
- Location:
- *Latitude: 32.667 (32°40') N
- *Longitude: 17.1 (17°6') W
Parishes
The 3 parishes of Ponta do Sol include:
- Canhas
- Madalena do Mar
- Ponta do Sol
Settlements and geographic areas
| Name | Latitude | Longitude | Elevation | Map links |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [[]] | 32.733 (32°44') N | 17.2 (17°12') W | 140 m (462 ft) | [Street map from Mapquest], [Aerial photograph from Microsoft Terraserver] |
Parish of Ponta do Sol
The parish has a population of 4,224 in 2001, its density is 149.8/km² and the area is 28.2 km².